Replacing a Euro cyclinder really isn't rocket science.
I wasn't referring to Euro Cylinders, had I been referring to Euro Cylinders I'd have said...Do you know enough about the Euro Cylinders that you're considering changing? can you cut additional keys? Do you know what the risks are for yourself if you replace a lock incorrectly?
With that said, replacing a cylinder isn't rocket science, no it's one screw... unless of course there's a Cylinder shroud installed, then you'll also need a set of allen keys, as they tend to have more than one allen key requirement.
Then there's also the reducing of security... You are liable if you have reduced the customers home security by installing a cylinder that is less secure than the one that you have replaced, should there be a break in... something that not everyone is aware of.
Let's look at Euro cylinders for a second, are you aware of how many different types there are? What if the cylinder isn't the cause of the fault/issue as to why you've been asked to repair the lock... what if it's the Mechanism... do you know how many different variant of mechanisms there are, what the backsets are for each UPVC, Composite and even some wooden doors that some muppet's have installed the mechanisms into?
TS007, PAS24, 3 Star, 1 star, Diamond cylinders... anti-snap (I hate that description TBH - it's so false) or anti-bump... what about a cylinder that claims everything? anti-snap, TS007 3 star cylinders... or Diamond anti-snap cylinders... which do you go for? or should you just pop in the cheap nasty crap from screwfix or toolstation for £6.00 if they sell one to suit your door that is... is it big enough? will it fit? how do you measure the cylinder correctly... easy!! Google and Youtube is your friend!
Woot!
Standard for the Bury area is a 45/50 euro cylinder - we sell more of these than any other cylinder size, unless it's a composite door... then it can range from a 64mm - 80mm depending upon the manufacturers.
Then you've got a choice, should I have a key and turn or a key/key cylinder... which should I offer the customer... hmm
As a locksmith, you'll also be able to offer a keying alike service to reduce keys for the customer... another cracking idea... but are you aware that only MLA Locksmiths are allowed to change a euro cylinder that is PAS24 or TS007? unless of course you've contacted the manufacturers and asked for a pinning kit and they've been stupid enough to send you one
- It's happened before... that didn't go down to well with the BSI but hey ho
- an insurance approved Locksmith such as an MLA Locksmith (Master Locksmith Association) have manufacturers permissions to re-pin cylinders... other Locksmiths, although they can and do with standard cylinders such as Asec, ERA, Sterling... some even file pins down to make them work... ouch!
Mechanisms... You've got 30mm, 35mm 45mm 50mm and 55mm back sets, do you know how many different types of mechanisms there are out there? ones with Mushrooms, hooks, mushroom and hooks, deadbolts, deadbolt and mushroom, rollers, pins, hook and rollers, hook and pins... auto locking mechanisms... Again, do you know that you are liable if you remove a UPVC mechanism and reduce the security on that particular door? you either have to replace it like for like (which is the easiest part... if that mechanism is of course still available)... or upgrade.
Mortise locks... 3 lever, 5 lever, 5 Lever BS... Union, Yale, Eurospec, ERA, Willenhall, Securefast, Zoo... just a few to think about... what fits where, should I have at least one of each size and finish on the van... just in case I come across them...
Let's look at the size... 64mm or 76mm pretty easy, the two more common sizes us Locksmiths come across... brass or satin chrome, again two of the most common finishes... but then... wait a minute... I've just come to a door and it's 80mm WTF is that!!! holy crap... now I've got to make the hole larger to accomodate the 76mm lock case... oh crap, now I've got to chisel out some more on the door too... or should I get a direct replacement? Yup... go for it... a much better idea
You'll find that most 67mm and 80mm locks were once called Chubb - but it's gone now... what do I do!! there's no such lock anymore... research!! lets look into it... Ahh yeah.. Assa Abloy owned Chubb, oh look... they also own Union and Yale... oohh the 3G114 is now rebranded as Union... great... it's only £45.00 excellent... unless you've got an account with a distribution company that's what you're paying...
takes you about 5 minutes to swap that out... but the customer doesn't want to change their key... they want the same key... what do you do? Personally, I'd swap the levers over... but then again, what have you been asked to install a new lock... faulty? collar's worn? lever springs snapped?... unless you've got an account with a distribution company you won't find the levers anywhere...
